Lookout joins national champs

By Michael KinneyThe Moore American

Nov 20, 2013

It was still a shock to Destinee Lookout. Even as the Westmoore senior signed her National Letter of Intent Nov. 13, she still couldn’t believe she was becoming one of the newest member of the Oklahoma softball team.

“When I was little, I really didn’t think about college at first,” Lookout said. “Then when it came to, I didn’t think I could make it. By my parents pushed and said I could do it. I never thought I would have OU. I was kind of looking into Division II. But Oklahoma is definitely a better choice.”

Lookout had other offers from schools around the state and country, but the Sooners made her feel like one of the family.

“It was like, OU, they want me,” Lookout said. “When we sealed it that I was going to commit to them, it wasn’t a just handshake. It was hug. They make you feel at home.”

In her senior season, Lookout hit .489 with nine home runs, 44 RBI, 45 runs scored and 31 walks, of which 25 were intentional.

“Destinee Lookout is a local product who will bring a lot of power,” OU coach Patty Gasso said. “She has a very intimidating swing and never gets cheated at the plate. What I like about her in high school is that she plays third and she can pitch, so she’s athletic enough to do what she needs to do to help her team win. But what she’s going to be known for is an absolutely fierce bat.”

Lookout was one of six players the Sooners signed on signing day.

For her career, Lookout carried a .471 batting average with 23 homers and 132 RBIs. She has been a force for the Jaguars since she arrived on campus.

“I knew she could have been,” Westmoore fastpitch coach Jenny Rollins said. “I still think there are a lot of thing she’s capable of getting to that she hasn’t hit yet. I think that she is one of those kids that you see potential in and you see all these small things in and your hoping they will develop over the next few years. And those things have developed and they’re still developing. I think some players have that special quality that you think right from the get go that if they really put something into this, they are going to be something. And she is one of those kids.”

Despite that, it has taken Lookout some time to realize just how talent she has. While those around her saw what she could become, she wasn’t as convinced.

“I think when she started getting some recognition from other coaches, then she started to get a little bit of interest from DI schools,” Rollins said. “At first, it wasn’t the University of Oklahoma. When she started to get a little bit of interest from them, it started clicking for her. As soon as OU came to her, she was very excited about that. Almost committed immediately.”

Lookout said schools such as Minnesota and Oklahoma Baptist were showing interest and making offers. But when the defending national champion jumped into the mix, it was almost a no-brainer for her.

“They have a great program,” Lookout said. “I think they are one of the best teams in the nation. They proved it last year. They have great coaches and their campus makes you feel at home. For me it wasn’t a hard decision. If a national championship team is knocking on your door, obviously you’re going to take it.”

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